Nature was changing. The end of summer was near; you could feel it in the air. The sun was slipping away a bit earlier, and evenings were beginning to stretch longer. Leaves were turning into a palette of yellows, browns and oranges; and the wind would bring crisp, chilly mornings and cool temperatures in the evenings. The whole Earth, with its incredible cycle of seasons, was continuing to obey the pattern set by the Creator. 

Beyond the borders of the warring country I lived in, life was also going on. Businesses were flourishing, homes were being built, and people were smiling. Families were planning their trips, parties and vacations. All the while, it seemed that my prayers were still not answered, my hopes were not fulfilled, and my request was left ignored. Our country was continuing to live under the pressure of the unknown, and stress levels and emotions were continuing to rise. Young men were being drafted, women were raising their children on their own, and mothers had to face the unbelievably difficult task of burying their sons and daughters. 

Lord, why can’t you just bring about the change we all so yearn for? 

Silence. Silence. Mostly silence. 

But sometimes, amidst the air raid alarm sirens and terrible news blaring from the screen, He answers. He reminds me that I am His daughter. He tells me that I am called to a life much grander than any plans that I could ever build. He wipes my tears, calms my heart, and holds me by the hand. He gently reminds me that He is unchanging and that His promises are eternal. 

Once Paul encouraged the church in Thessalonica with these words, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it...” 1 Thessalonians 5: 23-24

No matter how much I long for change around me, the Creator is faithful.

And on the hardest of days, that should always be enough- because everything He allows to happen in my life isn’t about me. In fact, my entire life isn’t about me, but about what He has called me to. It’s about Him – and He holds me in His sturdy, faithful, and unchanging hands.